increasing it; he
knew in what consisted her strength, and in that strength he was strong,
and in his own.

As a senator, he was heard in the assembled councils of his nation, and
those who presided over her mighty resources and influenced her
destinies, that involved those of the world, listened to his warning
counsel, were convinced that his words were the dictates of wisdom, and
obeyed. This is neither fiction nor fulsome panegyric. The facts that
I narrate have become part of our history; and I would narrate them more
explicitly, did I not fear to wound the susceptibilities of his still
existing and distinguished family. How well he knew his own station,
and preserved, with the blandest manners, the true dignity of it!
Though renowned in parliament for his eloquence, at the palace for his
patriotic loyalty, and in the city for his immense wealth, in the
blessed circle, that he truly made social, there was a pleasing
simplicity and joyousness of manner, that told at once the fascinated
guest, that though he might earn honours and distinction abroad, it was
at home that he looked for happiness--and, uncommon as such things are
in this repining world--there, I verily believe, he found it. His was a
happy lot: he possessed a lady in his wife, who at once shared his
virtues and adorned them. The glory he won was reflected sweetly upon
her, and she wore with dignity, and enhanced those honours, that his
probity, his talents, and his eloquence had acquired. At the time of
which I am speaking, he was blessed with daughters, that even in their
childhood had made themselves conspicuous by their accomplishments,
amiability of disposition, and gracefulness of manners, and plagued with
sons who were full of wildness, waggishness, and worth.

It is too seldom the case that the person accords with the high
qualification of the mind. Mr --- was a singular and felicitous
exception to this mortifying rule. His deportment was truly dignified,
his frame well-knit and robust, and his features were almost classically
regular. His complexion was florid, and the expression of his
countenance serene, yet highly intelligent. No doubt but that his
features were capable of a vast range of expression; but, as I never saw
them otherwise than beaming with benevolence, or sparkling with wit, I
must refer to Master James, or Master Frank, for the description of the
austerity of his frown, or the awfulness of his rebuke.

This gentleman